Carlsbad experienced a notable increase in graffiti as 2023 drew to a close, according to statistics reported by city police.
The Carlsbad Police Department found that graffiti reports were up 52% in a November-to-November assessment from 2022 to 2023.
“Historically, the city sees more graffiti in November, when it gets dark earlier and schools are on Thanksgiving break. But this November the city saw an even bigger increase,” the department stated in a news release. “The city has crews on standby who can respond quickly to remove graffiti on public property, like streets, sidewalks and traffic signs. But the city is also asking the public to help report graffiti.”
The report did not give additional explanations or theories for the increase.
A particular jump in reported incidents between September and November appeared to fuel the increase, according to a graphic provided by the Police Department. The graphic showed statistics for about the second half of 2023. Although the city has seen such increases before, most recently in March through May of 2022, the November spike was the largest of the figures for that time of year compared with 2020 through 2022.
Officials ask that residents and merchants report graffiti incidents promptly by calling the city’s 24-hour graffiti removal hotline at 442-339-2990. Reports can also be made to the Carlsbad Connects app or website version.
Those found responsible for graffiti can face fines between $1,000 to $50,000 as well as jail time, according to the Carlsbad Police Department. Perpetrators may also be required to pay for damages. In cases involving those under age 18, parents could be held responsible to pay damages.
